Derek Jeter is the epitome of a professional on and off the field.I grew up a Yankee fan and there is NO ONE who deserves every top award more than Derek !Just to see his grace and elegance on and off the field ,he's a classy guy. When my 1st granddaughter was 3 years old I taught her to say Go Yankees! DEREK JETER'S CUTE! Now she is almost 8 y/o.I grew up with Mantle. He was never a role model!!!!!!! There is no one even close to Derek! His parents and sister must be so proud. I also hope he marries Minka and has "little Jeters."

I don't agree but at least this is a more viable award for him then the MVP which people are foolish to even be debating.

as above

Great Pick! Jeter is a great leader and a team player. He shows a rare balance of personal humility and professional confidence. He has an air of trust and integrity.. He is a proven winner...Next up Jeter for President!!!

Even though I like Jeter and his leadership, he doesn´t deserve the award this year. I believe the sportsman of the year is without a doubt Manny Pacquiao. This year he has broken records, beaten great champions bigger than his natural weight and carry the sport almost by himself.

Besides his sports accomplishments he is a great role model.

I think the sportsman of the year should go to the person that created a lot of news the whole year. Two people that should be considered as sportsman of the year is Manny Pacquiao and Kobe Bryant.

Anyone whose credibility is questioned should not be included in awards or recognition, and should respectfully step out of any considerations on their own.

This the that type of award that can be endlessly argued over. You broguht up an interesting name, Jon...Manny Pacquiao...very deserving of the award, also. I'm fine with Jeter getting it...he's a class act and his leadership role as the Yankee Captain was instrumental in keeping the 'Team' aspect together to win the Championship,

There couldn't be a better choice........the epitome of class. Never says a word....just leads by example....always has, always will. Just another award to add to the Yankees 27th Championship year. GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the risk of committing egregious homerism: Florida's Tim Tebow, for obvious reasons. Among them: Class act, boldly lashed himself to the mast after loss to Ole Miss last year and then delivered on "The Promise," outplayed the Heisman Trophy winner in their national championship showdown, class act, starting quarterback in nation's longest winning streak, has team back at brink of repeating as national champions and -- did I mention? -- class act.

It's about time Jeter gets recognized for an honor that has also been bestowed upon Joe Paterno. Need I say more? I don't think you'll see Jeter sucking on a bong in a couple of months eother.

Yes - he is the ultimate professional and has been for years - this is nearly a lifetime achievement award - I'm hardwired to not like the Yankees - yet the way he conducts himself day in and day out is above reproach and you hear this echoed time and time again by those in the other dugout.

Actually, if you speak to many other teams' players in private (and even a few Yankees) you find that many people find Jeter to be egotistical and living with a vast sense of entitlement (not to mention the sports media's decision to never report on his tabloid exploits amongst the New York club scene).

Not that he doesn't deserve some awards, though he's always been a bit overrated thanks to being a Yankee - if a man with his exact stats and career played for Pittsburgh, no one would know who he was - but he has had a great career. I don't think Sportsman of the Year makes a whole lot of sense - there were definitely athletes who had more direct impacts on sports in general and had better years in their individual disciplines - but I don't think anyone is shocked to hear that Sports Illustrated continues to demonstrate its New York bias, just like the rest of the sports media.

Besides, Yankee fans, don't forget that SOTY is a bit like Time's Person of the Year - it's not always a completely positive award...

MNWriter-you're dead-wrong about what other players say about Derek Jeter...I don't know where you got your information, but the oppoiste is true. He's well-respected by his teammates, his peers and many sport's writers. Any 'Tabloid exploits' are just that...tabloid exploits. H e's the epitome of what sportsmanship and class are all about. If you look at what the Professional athlete is all about today, Jeter stands out head and shoulders above many of the primadonnas that take advantage of their fame.

Sportsman of the Year!! How about Jimmie Johnson, Four consecutive Championships in a Row! First time in Nascar History of 61 years it has ever been done!!!

Jimmie Johnson is a great choice, Deb, however (no offence intended):

'NASCAR'

N on A thletic S port C reated A round R ednecks :>)

I like Derek but have to vote for Pac Man.

Lula, you say you're a "huge sports fan" but you've never heard of arguably the greatest boxer in the world ? Instead of advertising your ignorance, fix me some eggs !

I don't disagree with Jeter being Sportsman of the Year, but I would've liked to have seen Tyler Hansbrough win it. He stayed in college to do one thing...win a championship, and he did it! That's impressive!

Tyler Hansbrough without a doubt. Set new records at Carolina, in the ACC & in the NCAA.

Albert Pujols and Peyton Manning both do more for the community than Jeter and have had superior years at their sports. If Jeter played in Denver or Tampa, he wouldn't even be considered.